Asian Powers Shoot for the Moon With Orbiting Research Missions

Science : If the moon shines more brightly on Asia in the next few years, it may be because three Asian powers are using a trio of spacecraft to shed some scientific light on the lunar surface. Barring last-minute glitches, Japan will launch its Selene mission on 13 September. China’s Chang’e 1 is expected to go up within a few weeks of that launch, and India aims to follow in April with Chandrayaan-I.Lunar scientists are cheering the science-driven missions, which promise the most detailed look at the moon since NASA’s Apollo program. The results could help resolve outstanding questions about the moon’s hazy origins and evolution and prepare for possible crewed landings. And although most data will be shared with European and U.S. colleagues, Asian scientists will be spearheading the analyses. “It’s a good chance for Asian scientists” to make a mark in lunar studies, says Hitoshi Mizutani, a planetary scientist who led Selene’s development until retiring 2 years ago from the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in Sagamihara, Japan.